1862
July 04, 1862 – Stationed in Dalton Ga. Ordered to Chattanooga TN. By G. W. Randolph, Secretary of War
Aug 03, 1862 - Camp Smith, Whitfield, GA
Letter
Commodore D. Epps
6th Georgia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
Company F
to his wife Catharine of Union County, Georgia
written August 3, 1862 Camp Smith, Whitfield, GA
Direct your letter to Tunnel Hill, Smith's Legion in care of Captain Anderson [of Union County], Camp Smith, Whitfield, GA.
Dear wife, I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well at this time and hope these few lines will come safe to your hands and find you and all the rest enjoying the same blessing. I have nothing of importance to write to you. I received your kind letter. I was glad to hear from you all and that you all was well. Catherine, I have a notion to go to Richmond to [join] Huggins Company [Co. K, 23rd GVIR from Union County]. I can get $50 dollars to change with Van Cints' brother and I had rather be in a foot company. I want you and all the rest to write whether you are willing or not.
Catherine, I haven't drawn any bounty yet [$50 for joining Smith’s Legion] and I don't no whether I ever will or not. I don't know when we will leave here. I want you to write to me if you have had any news from Hamp Ridley and what he is doing; whether he is a wagoneer or not. For Cints is a wagoneer and I aim to have his place if I go [wagoneers were paid $1.00 more a month than cavalry privates].
Catherine, you wrote to me to write to you about managing. You know best now. Do the best you can to make something to eat and if I can help you I will do it. I don't know when I shall get any money but when I do you shall have part of it if I live Catherine, if you can get anybody to come in my place on reasonable terms, do it. Tell mother and all the rest to write to me. I want to hear from you often. They was 3 men went home the other day to get substitutes in their place. Manuel McCoy went home to get him a substitute. If you get anybody, you come with them to the camps. I would like to to see you if I could.
I had a smothering [respiratory or cardiac ailment this day was was 2 weeks ago and I thought I would die but I sent for [?] and he eased me. I am well as common now. If you want to come to see me you can come to your daddy's and I will try to get 4 or 5 furloughs and come up there, If you want to come. start a letter from there and tell me when you will be there to a day, If you want to come you had better be in a hurry. Tell all my friends to write to me. Catherine, do the best you can. I must close, nothing more at present. Only remains yours truly until death God bless you......
Send me some of your hair
Aug 23, 1862 - Posted in Loudon, ordered to scout in the direction of Kingston for Union forces under Clift. Especially on the road to the northward side and to give timely notice of any advance of the enemy toward Childers Gap.
Aug 21, 1862 – Cavalry arrives in Loudon, TN
Aug 23, 1862 – Remainder of unit arrives in Loudon, TN
Sept 10, 1862 – Ordered to move to Big Creek Gap to join General Stevenson to cut off a force blockading Big Creek and Rogers Gaps.
Sept 10, 1862 - Ordered by General Bragg to Kentucky with General Breckenridge.
Sept 14, 1862 – 1,800 convalescents and Smith’s Legion ordered to escort a money train to General E. Kirby Smith in Kentucky.
Sept 16, 1862 – General Bragg orders arms shipment added to the money train for General Smith. Douglass’ Battalion is also assigned as escort. The shipment reportedly traveled via Jamestown and the Harlan road.
Sept 19, 1862 – Brigadier General Maxey instructed to take command of the battalion and Douglass’ battalion should he overtake them.
Oct 02, 1862 - Ordered to proceed without delay to Camp Dick Robinson.
Oct 22, 1862 - Orders sent to Maj. General John P. McCown to send the legion to Flat Lick, Ky. once a sufficient supply of provisions arrive.
Nov 05, 1862 - Under command of Brigadier General Henry Heth.